5. Sam Freeman

Sam Freeman made a good showing for the Cardinals when he was called up in 2013, but that’s not a guarantee for his future.

When he reports to spring training, in all likelihood Freeman will be a player who falls on the cusp of the roster. With such a high volume of starting pitchers duking it out for five spots, the bullpen could quickly become crowded.

If he wants to begin the season in St. Louis, Freeman will need to show up at the Cardinals facility in Jupiter, Fla. ready to put on a show.

Piscotty is a talented outfielder capable of hitting for power and for average. At this point in his career, the biggest roadblock between him and St. Louis is the simple fact that the Cardinals have an abundance of talented outfielders.

He has to get through Matt Holliday, Oscar Taveras, Peter Bourjos and Jon Jay to find himself as an everyday major leaguer. In all likelihood, his day will come sooner rather than later.

1. Oscar Taveras

By all accounts, Oscar Taveras should have made his St. Louis debut in 2013, but injuries are just part of the game.

Assuming he is at full health for spring training, which at this point is a coin toss, Taveras will be pushing to make the Opening Day roster. Where he starts the season will likely depend on how well the Cardinals feel his recovery from surgery has gone.

If he’s at 100 percent, he’ll likely start in St. Louis. If not, expect to see him with the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds for a little while. Either way, he should make an impact in 2014.